ADAMS IS Jamal set to have biggest impact on Jets in 2019
The 2019 Jets have new uniforms, new coaches and a new general manager, but one familiar question remains after an unexpected shakeup after the draft: Are these the ‘Same Old Jets’? Mike Maccagnan added some quality pieces before getting fired in May, but has this star-crossed franchise done enough to break an eight-year playoff drought?
I’ll be revealing my
Top 20 players on the roster every weekday for the next four weeks in the run-up to training camp.
The list is made up of the players who I think will make the most impact for Adam Gase’s team this season. We’re not ranking guys solely based on past accomplishments. Get ready for some surprises with our projections.
No. 1: Jamal Adams
2018 ranking: 2
Position: Safety
Age at the start of the season: 23 2019 salary cap charge: $6.07 million
Contract status: Third year of a four-year, $22.26 million rookie deal 2018 Season in Review:
Adams was a consistent force before earning his first Pro Bowl berth in his second season. The game-wrecking safety led all players at his position in total stops (44) and pressures (22). He racked up 112 tackles, including a team-high 13 stops for no gain or a loss.
He improved in pass coverage too. Opposing quarterbacks only had a 67.3 passer rating when targeting him in 2018 after a 124.7 rating during his rookie campaign, according to Pro Football Focus.
Adams emerged as the leader that everyone expected him to be coming out of LSU.
“It’s just crazy two years have flown by already,” he said.
2019 Outlook:
There’s no telling how much more damage Adams can do in his third season. He’s far from a finished product, but his ceiling touches the heavens.
“I don’t put a limit on myself,” Adams said. “Obviously, I want to become a better teammate, a better person off the field and even on as far as communicating and reading. And as far as my eyes,
having a step before the snap. Just getting better at everything. That’s what I think I’m focused on.”
What made Adams so valuable last season was his ability to take his game to higher levels in big moments. Consider: He ranked first among safeties in opposing passer rating in the red-zone (39.6). His 37.5 forced incompletion percentage in the red zone was fourth among safeties, according to PFF.
In other words, he’s more reliable when it matters more. But new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams knows that the young star has only scratched the surface.
“He’s very motivated by directness,” Williams said. “I said, ‘I’ve coached a lot better people than you before.’ … Right off the bat. But that was the point.… He’s been fun to watch.”
Adams should benefit with an improved supporting cast that includes Pro Bowl free-agent signing C.J. Mosley and rookie defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. The 23 losses in Adams’ first two seasons as a pro haven’t sat well with him. He’s ready to win big.
“We’re in New York,” he said. “This is a win-now type of mentality and that’s how we’re taking it.”
Adams is the heart and soul of the defense, a natural-born leader with the ability to change games every week. He deserves his spot on the Top 20 mountaintop.
Countdown Rewind:
No. 20 — C Jonotthan Harrison No. 19 — LB Jachai Polite
No. 18 — WR Quincy Enunwa No. 17 — LB Jordan Jenkins
No. 16 — RT Brandon Shell
No. 15 — LB Avery Williamson No. 14 — CB Trumaine Johnson No. 13 — LT Kelvin Beachum
No. 12 — S Marcus Maye
No. 11 — WR Jamison Crowder No. 10 — WR Robby Anderson No. 9 — DL Henry Anderson
No. 8 — LG Kelechi Osemele
No. 7 — TE Chris Herndon
No. 6 — DL Quinnen Williams No. 5 — DL Leonard Williams No. 4 — RB Le’Veon Bell
No. 3 — QB Sam Darnold
No. 2 — S Jamal Adams